Dhaka: Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday said the next general election will be held as per the constitution, no matter whether BNP joins it or not.

‘The election will get a complete shape if a big party like BNP participates in it. But there’ll be no shortage of participating parties. The election will be held as per the constitution whether BNP takes part in it or not,’ he said.

Quader was addressing a rally organised by Jubo League at Mahanagar Natya Mancha marking the Homecoming Day of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said BNP does not want a neutral Election Commission but a ‘Jatiyatabadi Election Commission’ which will ensure their victory in the polls. ‘They also don’t want an independent judiciary but a Jatiyatabadi judiciary.’

Taking a swipe at those who talk about unity, he wanted to know what step they have taken to bring BNP to the election. ‘There would have been a new chapter of working understanding had Khaleda Zia responded to the invitation of the Ganobhaban before the January 5, 2014 election.’

The minister also refuted BNP’s allegation that the highways and roads are being repaired before eid only to help ruling party men plunder money, saying he never saw any leaders and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies on the secretariat veranda in the last seven years of his tenure.’